I used to drive my v8 Datsun, where the exhaust exited right under the doors. Nice weather was the difference between having the windows up or having the windows down and smelling like exhaust all day. It didn't seem all that great. Now, nice weather is the difference between carrying a change of clothes on my back or not. I definitely notice.

And you're absolutely right, we are lucky to have jobs. The economy hasn't gone down, we've just stopped overextending ourselves. It's nice, if you ask me.